Modified greetings cards

ABSTRACT

A modified greetings card ( 10 ) is formed from a pair of first and second leaves ( 11, 12 ) divided by a hinge line ( 13 ). When the card ( 10 ) is closed, the first and second leaves ( 11, 12 ) are arranged so as to overlie one another by folding along the hinge line ( 13 ), whilst when the card ( 10 ) is open, the first and second leaves ( 11, 12 ) are arranged to lie alongside one another. The modified card ( 10 ) includes confetti ejection apparatus, in the form of a confetti chamber ( 14 ) mounted on an inner surface of the second leaf ( 12 ). A confetti ejection member ( 26 ) is mounted for movement within the chamber ( 14 ). Deployment of the ejection member ( 26 ) is prevented when the card ( 10 ) is closed, by means of a retainer ( 23 ) mounted on an inner surface of the first leaf ( 11 ). However, when the card ( 10 ) is opened, the retainer ( 23 ) is released, allowing deployment of the ejection member ( 26 ), and thus causing ejection of a measure of confetti ( 25 ) held within the chamber ( 14 ).

This invention relates to greetings cards. In particular, the invention relates to a modified greetings card including apparatus for ejecting confetti into the air upon the card being opened by its recipient. In further aspects thereof, the invention also relates to confetti ejecting apparatus for incorporation into a conventional greetings card, and to a kit of parts, whether assembled or not, for producing a modified greetings card including confetti ejecting apparatus.

The tradition of sending or giving greetings cards dates back at least to Victorian times, when cards were typically sent to congratulate a friend or relative on the occasion of their birthday, or to wish the recipient a Merry Christmas. Over the years, the greetings cards industry has grown to the extent that cards are now sent for an ever wider range of life events and festivities. The greetings cards industry is now estimated to be worth around £2 billion annually in the UK alone, with the average person sending or receiving a total of 55 greetings cards per year.

This growth in card sales has driven card manufacturers to conceive ever more elaborate and innovative cards, in an attempt to outdo their competitors. In recent years, this has led to a trend towards the development of so-called “novelty” or “surprise” cards. The basic principle here is that, on receiving the card and removing it from its envelope, the recipient should be under the impression that he has received a conventional greetings card. However, when the card is opened, the recipient is surprised to find, for example, a musical greeting, a recorded voice greeting, a “pop-up” element, or perhaps a mildly offensive joke at his expense!

Because the element of surprise is crucial to the commercial success of such cards, card manufacturers are constantly striving to produce new, ever more innovative cards. This is important, since once a particular variety of novelty card has been in circulation for some time, the “surprise” may become well known by the card-buying public, and hence the card may lose its impact.

The present invention seeks to provide an innovative greetings card, which combines the surprise element of the novelty greetings card with the traditional celebratory practice of throwing confetti or launching streamers, for example at weddings or parties.

According to a first aspect of the present invention, there is provided a modified greetings card having first and second leaves divided by a hinge line, and arranged substantially to overlie one another by folding along said hinge line when the card is closed, said modified card including confetti ejection apparatus comprising:

-   -   a confetti chamber, provided on an inner surface of said second         leaf, and adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be         ejected;     -   a confetti ejection member adapted to move within said chamber         between a first undeployed position and a second deployed         position; and     -   a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of said         first leaf, and further adapted to retain said ejection member         in its undeployed position when the greetings card is closed,         but to release said ejection member into its deployed position         when the card is opened.

The term “confetti” is used herein to include substantially all types of particulate matter suitable for use in confetti or party streamers, including, but not limited to: paper, foil, rice, flower petals, pot pourri, etc. It is generally preferred however, that the modified greetings card of the present invention will be used in combination with light foil confetti.

It is further envisaged that the modified greetings card of the present invention may be adapted for use in combination with a “pop-up” element, variable between a first folded condition when contained within the chamber, and an expanded condition when ejected therefrom. Said pop-up element may be present either in addition to, or as an alternative to a measure of confetti to be ejected.

The motion of the confetti ejection member between its undeployed and deployed position is preferably achieved by retaining said confetti ejection member under tension or compression when in its undeployed position, but allowing said member to revert normally to its deployed position when said tension or compression is released. Most preferably, the confetti ejection member comprises a spring.

The confetti chamber is preferably generally tubular, having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough, and a second end associated with the ejection member, said member being arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber. Most preferably, the confetti ejection member is provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber. The head portion and the tubular chamber thus co-operate in a piston-type arrangement to eject the confetti out of the open end of the chamber. The open end of the chamber may desirably be provided with a cover formed of an easily-ruptured material such as tissue paper, to retain confetti in the chamber until the confetti ejecting apparatus is activated.

The retainer preferably comprises a tab, adapted to be received in a complementary aperture in the confetti chamber, said tab co-operating with the ejection member within the chamber, thereby to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position. The retainer preferably further comprises means for attaching to an inner surface of said first leaf, such that upon opening of the card, the tab is withdrawn from the aperture, thus releasing the ejection member into its deployed position. It is important that this attachment means is adapted to be attached to said first leaf only once the card is ready for sending. In this way, the sender can write his greeting on the inner surface of the first and/or second leaf, and then set the confetti ejection apparatus by attaching the retainer to the first leaf, so that next time the card is opened (by the recipient), confetti will be ejected.

Alternatively, or additionally, the card may be supplied with a retaining pin, already inserted into the confetti chamber through a further complementary aperture in said chamber, and extending through said second leaf from the outer surface thereof.

In a preferred embodiment, the card is supplied with both the retainer, and the retaining pin. In this preferred embodiment, the sender attaches the retainer to the inner surface of the first leaf as hereinbefore described, closes the card such that the tab of said retainer engages with its associated aperture in the confetti chamber, and then removes the retaining pin from its associated aperture in the outer surface of the second leaf.

The attachment means preferably comprises a self-adhesive pad provided on the retainer, for adhering to said first leaf. Alternatively, said attachment means may comprise a first hook and loop fastener element (such as that sold under the trade mark VELCRO), provided on the retainer, and a complementary second hook and loop fastener element provided on said first leaf.

The confetti chamber must be provided on a different leaf from that to which the retainer is to be attached, via the attachment means. However, it is not crucial whether the first and second leaves as herein defined constitute, respectively, the front or back leaf of the card. Preferably however, the outer surface of the first leaf as defined herein constitutes the front of the card, such that the confetti chamber is provided on the back leaf of the card. Most preferably, the confetti chamber will be provided closely adjacent the hinge line by which said first and second leaves are connected and along which the card is folded.

According to a second aspect of the present invention, there is provided confetti ejecting apparatus for incorporation into a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves divided by a hinge line, and arranged substantially to overlie one another by folding along said hinge line when the card is closed, said confetti ejecting apparatus comprising:

-   -   a confetti chamber, adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of         a second leaf of a greetings card, and adapted to contain a         measure of confetti to be ejected;     -   a confetti ejection member adapted to move within said chamber         between a first undeployed position and a second deployed         position; and     -   a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of a         first leaf of a greetings card, and further adapted to retain         said ejection member in its undeployed position when said         greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member         into its deployed position when the card is opened.

The confetti ejecting apparatus according to the second aspect of the present invention may be incorporated into a conventional greetings card thereby to produce a modified greetings card as hereinbefore described with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

According to a third aspect of the present invention, there is provided a kit of parts, whether assembled or not, for producing a modified greetings card including confetti ejecting apparatus, said kit of parts comprising:

-   -   a confetti chamber, adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of         a second leaf of a conventional greetings card having first and         second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when         the card is closed, and further adapted to contain a measure of         confetti to be ejected;     -   a confetti ejection member adapted to move within said chamber         between a first undeployed position and a second deployed         position; and     -   a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of a         first leaf of a conventional greetings card having first and         second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when         the card is closed, and further adapted to retain said ejection         member in its undeployed position when said greetings card is         closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed         position when said card is opened.

The kit of parts may preferably further comprise one or more of the following:

-   -   a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves         arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is         closed;     -   one or more measures of confetti to be ejected; and     -   an envelope, for retaining the modified card in a closed         condition until opened by the recipient.

The kit of parts according to the third aspect of the present invention may be used to produce a modified greetings card as hereinbefore described with reference to the first aspect of the present invention.

In order that the present invention may be fully understood a preferred embodiment thereof will now be described in detail, though only by way of example, with reference to the following drawings, in which:

FIG. 1 shows a modified greetings card including confetti ejection apparatus, according to a first aspect of the present invention; and

FIG. 2 shows an exploded, partly cross-sectional view of confetti ejection apparatus according to a second aspect of the present invention, for incorporation into a conventional greetings card, thereby to produce the modified greetings card of FIG. 1.

Referring first to FIG. 1, there is shown a modified greetings card, generally indicated 10. As with conventional greetings cards, the modified card 10 is formed from a single piece of sheet material, divided into first and second leaves 11, 12 by a hinge line 13. The card 10 is opened and closed by folding along hinge line 13, with the first leaf 11 substantially overlying the second leaf 12 when the card is closed.

A confetti chamber 14 is provided on the inner surface of the second leaf 12, closely adjacent the hinge line 13. The confetti chamber 14 is generally tubular, though as can be seen from FIG. 1 it need not be cylindrical. Indeed, to enable the card 10 to close more easily, the chamber 14 may desirably have a generally rectangular lateral cross-section. The chamber 14 has a first open end 15, aligned with an upper edge 17 of the second leaf 12, and a second end 16 associated with a confetti ejection member (not shown in FIG. 1), as will be described in more detail subsequently with reference to FIG. 2. The open end 15 may be shaped or fluted to assist the flow of confetti therethrough.

The chamber 14 is provided with an elongate aperture 18, which effectively divides the chamber 14 into an upper section 21 and a lower section 22. The upper section 21 houses a measure of confetti (not shown in FIG. 1) to be ejected, whilst the lower section 22 houses the confetti ejection member (not shown in FIG. 1) when in its undeployed position, as will be described in more detail subsequently with reference to FIG. 2.

The first leaf 11 of the card 10 is provided with a retainer 23 having a tab 24 extending therefrom. The tab 24 is of complementary shape to the aperture 18 in the chamber 14, and is adapted to be received therein. The retainer 23 is therefore positioned on the first leaf 11 such that when the card 10 is closed, the tab 24 inserts into the aperture 18, but is withdrawn when the card is opened.

As can best be seen from FIG. 2, the confetti chamber 14 is divided into an upper section 21 and a lower section 22. The upper section 21 houses a measure of confetti 25 to be ejected, whilst the lower section 22 houses the confetti ejection member 26 when in its undeployed position. The confetti ejection member 26 comprises a spring 27 anchored at one end 28 thereof to the second end 16 of the chamber 14, and having at is other end 29 a head portion 31 of complementary shape to the lateral cross-section of the tubular chamber 14.

In order to maintain the confetti ejection member 26 in its undeployed state until such time as ejection of the confetti 25 is desired, the spring 27 must be retained under compression. This is achieved by the tab 24 of the retainer 23 being inserted through the aperture 18 so as to prevent the head portion 31 of the confetti ejection member 26 from entering the upper section 21 of the chamber. Although not visible from FIG. 2, the opposite face of the retainer 23 from that bearing the tab 24, is provided with a self-adhesive pad, for attaching to the first leaf 11 of the card 10. This enables the tab 24 to be withdrawn from the aperture 18 when the card 10 is opened, thus deploying the confetti ejection member 26.

The preferred embodiment shown in FIG. 2 is also provided with a retaining pin 32 carried on a handle 33. The retaining pin 32 is adapted to be received in a further aperture (not shown) in the opposite face of the confetti chamber 14. When the confetti ejecting apparatus of FIG. 2 is mounted in a greetings card 10 as described above with reference to FIG. 1, a further like aperture will also be formed in the second leaf 12 of the card 10, in communication with the further aperture (not shown) in the chamber 14. The retaining pin 32 may be inserted into the chamber 14 through these further apertures, and acts to prevent the head portion 31 of the confetti ejection member 26 from entering the upper section 21 of the chamber 14, in the same way as the retainer tab 24. The retaining pin 32 is provided in order that the sender may write his message in the card 10 before setting the ejection apparatus by inserting the retainer tab 24 into the aperture 18 and then attaching the retainer 23 to the first leaf 11 of the card 10.

As can also be seen from FIG. 2, the upper section 21 of the confetti chamber 14 may be provided with a striking plate 34 below the measure of confetti 25 to be ejected, said plate being adapted to be struck by the confetti ejection member 26 when it is deployed. The striking plate 34 is freely moveable within the tubular chamber 14 and is of complementary shape to the lateral cross-section thereof, and the head portion 31 of the confetti ejection member 26. Above the measure of confetti 25, a membrane 35 may be provided, in order to prevent confetti 25 spilling out of the open end 15 of the chamber before the confetti ejection member 26 is deployed. The membrane 35 will be formed from an easily ruptured material such as tissue paper.

The operation of a modified greetings card 10 as shown in FIG. 1, incorporating confetti ejection apparatus as shown in FIG. 2, will now be described with simultaneous reference to both drawings. In this example, the card 10 is supplied with the confetti ejection member 26 retained in its undeployed position by the retaining pin 32, and the chamber 14 pre-loaded with confetti 25. The retainer 23 is supplied as a distinct component, with a removable protective cover on the self-adhesive pad (not shown).

The sender writes his message on the inner surface of the second 12 and/or first 11 leaf of the card 10, before setting the confetti ejection apparatus. This is done by inserting the tab 24 of the retainer 23 into the aperture 18, and then peeling off the protective cover from the self-adhesive pad on the opposite face of the retainer 23. The card 10 is then closed, and the first leaf 11 pressed firmly against the exposed self-adhesive pad. The retaining pin 32 is then withdrawn from the further apertures (not shown) in the chamber 14 and the second leaf 12 of the card, and then discarded. The closed card 10 is then inserted into an envelope (not shown) in order to ensure it remains closed until it reaches its recipient.

On receiving the card 10, and removing it from its envelope, the recipient will initially be under the impression that he has received a conventional greetings card. However, when the recipient opens the card 10 by folding the first leaf 11 outwardly relative to the hinge linel3, the tab 24 will be withdrawn from the aperture 18, thus removing the restraint from the head portion 31 of the confetti ejection member 26 and allowing the compressed spring 27 to expand.

The confetti ejection member 26 is thus deployed, and the spring 27 forces the head portion 31 to strike the striking plate 34. The head portion 31 and the striking plate 34 advance together into the upper section 21 of the confetti chamber 14, causing the confetti 25 to be ejected through the open end 15, rupturing the membrane 35 on the way. The recipient, or his surroundings, are thus showered with confetti 25, as if thrown by a guest at a wedding or party. 

1. A modified greetings card having first and second leaves divided by a hinge line, said leaves being arranged so as to overlie one another by folding along said hinge line when the card is closed, said modified card including confetti ejection apparatus comprising: a tubular confetti chamber, provided on an inner surface of said second leaf, and adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be ejected, said chamber having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough and a second closed end; a confetti ejection member associated with said second closed end and arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber between a first undeployed position and a second deployed position, said confetti ejection member being further provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber; and a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of said first leaf, and further adapted to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position when the greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed position when the card is opened.
 2. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein the confetti ejection member is retained under a force selected from tension and compression when in its undeployed position, and reverts normally to its deployed position when said force is released.
 3. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein the confetti ejection member comprises a spring.
 4. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein the retainer comprises a tab, adapted to be received in a complementary aperture in the confetti chamber, said tab co-operating with the ejection member within the chamber, thereby to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position.
 5. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 4, wherein the retainer further comprises means for attaching to an inner surface of said first leaf, such that upon opening of the card, the tab is withdrawn from the aperture, thus releasing the ejection member into its deployed position.
 6. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 5, wherein said attachment means is adapted to be attached to said first leaf only once the card is ready for sending.
 7. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 5, wherein said attachment means comprises a self-adhesive pad provided on the retainer, for adhering to said first leaf.
 8. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 5, wherein said attachment means comprises a first hook and loop fastener element provided on the retainer, and a complementary second hook and loop fastener element provided on said first leaf.
 9. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, further comprising: a retaining pin, adapted to be received in a further complementary aperture in said confetti chamber, and extending through said second leaf from the outer surface thereof; whereby in use, the sender attaches the retainer to the inner surface of the first leaf, closes the card such that said retainer engages with the undeployed ejection member, and then removes said retaining pin from its associated aperture in the outer surface of the second leaf.
 10. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein the outer surface of said first leaf constitutes the front of the card.
 11. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein the confetti chamber is provided closely adjacent said hinge line.
 12. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein the confetti chamber is provided at said hinge line.
 13. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, wherein said confetti chamber is pre-loaded with a measure of confetti to be ejected.
 14. The modified greetings card as claimed in claim 1, further comprising a pop-up element, mounted in the confetti chamber, and variable between a first folded condition when contained within the chamber, and an expanded condition when ejected therefrom.
 15. Confetti ejecting apparatus for incorporation into a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves divided by a hinge line, and arranged to overlie one another by folding along said hinge line when the card is closed, said confetti ejecting apparatus comprising: a tubular confetti chamber, adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of a second leaf of a greetings card, and adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be ejected, said chamber having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough, and a second closed end; a confetti ejection member associated with said second closed end and arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber between a first undeployed position and a second deployed position, said confetti ejection member being further provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber; and a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of a first leaf of a greetings card, and further adapted to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position when said greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed position when the card is opened.
 16. A kit for assembly into a modified greetings card including confetti ejecting apparatus, said kit of parts comprising: a tubular confetti chamber, adapted to be mounted on an inner surface of a second leaf of a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is closed, and further adapted to contain a measure of confetti to be ejected, said chamber having a first open end for ejection of confetti therethrough, and a second closed end; a confetti ejection member associated with said second closed end and arranged for translational movement within said tubular chamber between a first undeployed position and a second deployed position, said confetti. ejection member being further provided with a head portion having a shape complementary to that of the tubular confetti chamber; and a retainer, adapted to communicate with an inner surface of a first leaf of a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is closed, and further adapted to retain said ejection member in its undeployed position when said greetings card is closed, but to release said ejection member into its deployed position when said card is opened.
 17. A kit as claimed in claim 16, further comprising at least one component selected from the following: a conventional greetings card having first and second leaves arranged substantially to overlie one another when the card is closed; at least one measure of confetti to be ejected; and an envelope, for retaining the modified card in a closed condition until opened by the recipient. 